Students in Mars Area High School’s AP Research classes learned how to conduct primary source research and explore library resources as part of a field trip to the Detre Library & Archives at the Senator John Heinz History Center on Sept. 30.

During the trip, Matthew Strauss, Director of Library & Archives, and Margaret Hewitt, Manager of Reference Services, instructed students on how to conduct primary source research; aided them in exploring the types of resources available in archive libraries; and, then pulled resources in line with topics that the students have selected to research.

Resources included maps of Pittsburgh’s public transportation routes; curricular guides from the 1930s for health education in Pittsburgh Public Schools; a lexicon of the “Pittsburghese” dialect; and mid-century fashion style guidance and color samples from Hor ne’s Department Stores.

After conducting their research, students had an opportunity to tour Heinz History Center.

“The knowledge and experience gained during this field trip will greatly benefit the students throughout their upcoming classwork,” says Rebecca Hoffmann, an AP Research teacher. 

In their AP Research classes, students explore an academic topic of individual interest; then design, plan, and implement a yearlong investigation to address a research question, and through which they learn research methodology; employ ethical research practices; and access, analyze, and synthesize information. The course culminates in a 4,000-5,000 word academic paper and a 15-20 minute oral presentation.

Funding for the field trip was provided through a Mars Planet Foundation Teaching Enrichment Grant. For more information, contact Hoffmann, at (724) 625-1581.